[Hong Kong] How Japanese people can open an HSBC account [Memo]

I usually live in China (Shenzhen), but I wanted an HSBC bank account (personal account), so I went to HSBC in Hong Kong to open one.

This time, as a memo, I will introduce how Japanese people can open a bank account with HSBC in Hong Kong.

Please note that this article is written based on the author's own experience and is not a guarantee that you will be able to open an HSBC account, so please use it as a reference only.

*Information as of October 2025

Overview of HSBC

HSBC (Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation) was founded in Hong Kong in 1865 and is currently headquartered in the UK (London). one of the world's largest global banks .

HSBC's major features are its international network and multi-currency accounts. Its "multi-currency account" allows you to manage multiple currencies, such as USD, HKD, RMB, and JPY, in a single account, making overseas remittances and international fund management extremely smooth. HSBC's online mobile banking also allows for instant transfers to accounts around the world 24 hours a day, making it an extremely convenient bank account for those conducting overseas business or international transactions.

In addition, HSBC bank accounts are globally compatible, so people who are stationed or emigrated overseas can enjoy the benefit of being able to continue working and living while using their HSBC global account overseas.

However, on the other hand, there are strict paperwork and screening requirements when opening an account, and the account will be frozen if there is no history of deposits and withdrawals for more than one year after opening. Also, it is not very convenient to use ATMs in Japan or transfer money within Japan, so you need to be careful about this.

Information required to open an HSBC account

Author's Prerequisites

○ Have a residence in mainland China (Shenzhen) and hold a Shenzhen work permit/residence permit.
○ Do not have a residence in Hong Kong and are not eligible for a Hong Kong work visa/identity card.

HSBC Prerequisites

If you want to open an international HSBC bank account, you must apply at an HSBC branch in Hong Kong. (Any branch within Hong Kong is fine.)

* HSBC in Japan: Does not handle new account openings (only handles products such as investment trusts)
* HSBC in China: In effect, it is treated as a bank in China, so there are restrictions on overseas remittances and international fund management.

○ There are various plans available when opening a personal account with HSBC, but unless you are wealthy, the basic "HSBC One" plan will be sufficient.

HSBC account opening conditions

The terms and conditions for opening an HSBC account are listed on the official website below.

Foreigners who do not have a residence in Hong Kong, like me, fall under condition "C" in the document below.

Things to prepare in advance

① Basic preparations

○ Language skills to communicate in English, Chinese, or Cantonese
* Naturally, Japanese is not accepted.
○ Original passport
○ Original or digital copy of tax payment certificate from Japan or China
* Written in English, Chinese, or Cantonese
○ Smartphone with data communication capability in Hong Kong (SMS and email authentication is required when opening an account)
○ Installation of the "HSBC HK Mobile Banking" app, which is required immediately after opening an account
* Download it in advance from the App Store or Google Play, etc.
○ Deposit fee for first ATM deposit (100 HKD banknote)

② Supplementary preparations (if any)

I was able to pass HSBC's screening and open an account by preparing the items mentioned above, but it seems that you may be asked to present the following documents.

○ Original or data of the employment contract (labor contract) with the company the person belongs to
*Written in English, Chinese, or Cantonese
○ Original or data of the company registration information the person belongs to
*A certified copy of the company registry in Japan, or a business license in China
*Written in English, Chinese, or Cantonese
○ Original or data of the lease agreement for the home the person resides in
*Written in English, Chinese, or Cantonese
○ Original or data of the utility usage history for the home the person resides in
○ Original copy of Japanese My Number card or driver's license
○ Original copy of mainland China work permit/residence permit
*Only for Japanese nationals living in mainland China

③ Make a reservation to visit an HSBC branch (required)

Even if you make a reservation in advance, the branch is often busy, so the account opening process takes approximately two hours.

What to do at an HSBC branch

① Account opening screening at the branch

○ Submit the documents you brought with you
○ Interview with an HSBC banker (interview conducted in English, Chinese, or Cantonese)
○ Explain your purpose for opening an HSBC bank account (personal account)

However, simply saying that you are opening an account for business purposes will not pass the screening. You
must provide proof of some kind of history of involvement with Hong Kong and Hong Kong companies
(e.g., doing business with Hong Kong companies and organizations and having frequent physical travel to and from Hong Kong).

② After the store has completed the inspection, the inspection must be carried out on the spot.

To verify your identity, you will need to provide the phone number and email address associated with your smartphone (SIM) to an HSBC employee. Authentication will then be carried out via email or SMS.

○ Use the "HSBC HK Mobile Banking" app to authenticate your bank account. If you don't know how to set up the app, an HSBC bank employee will help you set up your account.

*Downloading the HSBC HK Mobile Banking app at a branch may take some time if your internet speed is slow. Therefore, before visiting an HSBC branch, be sure to download the app to your smartphone from the App Store or Google Play.

○ Pick up your HSBC bank card at the store.

○ You will need to deposit 100 HKD (banknotes) at an HSBC ATM to verify your account for the first time.

My impressions after opening an HSBC bank account

○ Expenses for opening an HSBC bank account
, round-trip train fare between Shenzhen and Hong Kong,
and 100 HKD for the initial ATM deposit.
○ If you work or live in mainland China (especially Shenzhen), it may be advantageous in terms of credibility when opening an account.
○ The response and results may vary depending on the banker in charge of opening the account.

Points to note

Even if you meet the necessary requirements as described in this article, it does not necessarily mean that you will be able to open an HSBC bank account.

Please be aware that, based on actual cases from other people, especially those who do not reside in Hong Kong, there are cases where even if you visit an HSBC branch, you may be refused an account opening without being given any reason, or you may even be turned away at the door.

summary

Opening an account with HSBC may seem like a high hurdle, but its multi-currency accounts and 24-hour international remittance service are extremely convenient, and it also has extensive online account management functions, making it a strength that other banks don't have.